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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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Servings 4
Prep: 12 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 37 minutes
Golden pan-seared chicken is served over tender orzo that soaks up every bit of flavor in the rich, creamy Tuscan-style sauce with garlic, parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients
 

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into thin cutlets, then cut into 1½-inch pieces)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced )
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped )
  • 1 cup orzo pasta* (measured dry )
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated )
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (washed and fully dried)
  • fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Add cubed chicken to a bowl or gallon storage bag. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and flour to the chicken. Toss until coated lightly, and tap off any excess.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the prepared chicken in a single layer. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes without touching it until a golden brown crust forms. Remove from skillet, place on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Bring the heat down to medium, then add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in sun dried tomatoes and stir for another minute or two.
  • Pour in the dry orzo and stir frequently to toast for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow this to come to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and al dente.* The sauce should still be a bit thin at this point.
  • Add in the parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (optional), and spinach. Stir and cook for another minute or two until the cheese has melted, the spinach cooks down and the sauce thickens. If needed, add a splash of broth to smooth out the sauce.
  • Spoon a serving of the creamy orzo on to a plate and top with prepared chicken that was set aside. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil and more parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

*I have found some brands of orzo may take slightly longer to cook than others. I recommend taking a test bite or two to assess if you need to cook for 3-5 additional minutes. 
See tips and storage information in post above.

Nutrition

Calories: 603kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 28gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 874mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2707IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 312mgIron: 2mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American